Di Venuto stars in Tasmanian victory

Sydney: Accomplished left-hander Michael Di Venuto hit an unconquered 174 to power Tasmania to a thrilling six-wicket victory over title-holders New South Wales in a Sheffield Shield clash in Hobart. Di Venuto and acting captain Daniel Marsh (107 not out) figured in a match-winning stand of 220 for the fifth wicket to guide the islanders to 386 for four wickets in their second innings on the final day of the four-day encounter at Bellerive Oval. It was the 11th biggest successful fourth innings run chase in the 111-year history of the competition. Marsh is the son of Australia's legendary wicketkeeper Rodney Marsh, who captured 355 victims during a 96-Test career. The Tasmanians were rewarded for their audacious batting after New South Wales and Australian captain Steve Waugh had declared his team's second innings at 208 for eight wickets late Friday in a bid to force an outright victory. Shane Watson (42) and Michael Dighton (24) played important roles early in the day in blunting the strong New South Wales attack. Test leg-spinner Stuart MacGill, in his first outing after an injury, had limited success Saturday on a true wicket in hot conditions, capturing 2-135 in the second innings after a five-wicket haul in the first. Copyright AFP 2001